Sestak considers running for Senate

With an already robust war chest at his disposal, U.S. Rep. Joseph Sestak, D-7, of Edgmont, brought in another $567,319 in the first quarter of 2009, putting his cash-on-hand by mid-April up to more than $3.3 million, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

The April 15 filing caused all manner of chatter on political blogs over the weekend that the former three-star vice admiral is gearing up for a U.S. Senate run in 2010.

If that's the case, Sestak isn't giving anything away.

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"I am the 7th District representative, and that is the focus of my attention," he said in a statement Monday. "Beyond that, I have made no decision about my future."

That's a little less firm than previous statements outright denying any higher aspirations, but still not exactly an announcement of candidacy.

If he does run and successfully navigates the Democratic primary, Sestak would either be looking to take on five-term incumbent Arlen Specter, R-Pa., or whoever can knock Specter out in the Republican primary.

At this point, Specter's most serious challenger is conservative former congressman Pat Toomey, who gave Specter a run for his money in the 2004 primary -- and very nearly won.

The only Democrat to have formally announced a Senate candidacy is Joe Torsella, who also raised just about $600,000 in the first three months of the year. Democratic state Reps. Josh Shapiro, Allyson Schwartz and U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy are also reportedly considering a run, but haven't made any announcements.

"I think (Sestak) would be a very strong candidate," said Cliff Wilson, county Democratic Party chairman. "I think if he ran, he would win, and I think if it's something he decides to do, that decision needs to be made in the next few months."

Statewide seats require a lot of campaigning, said Wilson, especially for a sophomore congressman already trying to work out of both his district office and in Washington, D.C.

But, said Wilson: "If there's anyone who can do those three things at the same time, I think it's Joe Sestak."

Dr. G. Terry Madonna, professor of public affairs at Franklin & Marshall College, said it's still unknown just how large the field could get, but Sestak would undoubtedly be rated a strong candidate if he runs.

He would also have a large fundraising advantage over everyone but Specter -- who notably doubled what Sestak raised in the first quarter and has about $6.7 million on hand.

If Sestak decides to run next year, said Madonna, that would also mean giving up his House seat -- and potentially a long and promising congressional career should he fail.

"It's not something where you could file for both," said Madonna. "That is a very, very serious question he has to answer."